Does anyone know of a British company selling crate Chevy engines? My current engine is a tired lil thing that is smoking at full throttle and given it is a 305 it would be nice to replace it with a 350 eventually.

I know that in the USA they are around $1200, so they are very cheap. But I have no idea about shipping or how much someone would charge here to fit it... Rebuilding the 305 as a 305 or buying another 305 would not really be an option, I’d rather pay that lil bit extra and end up with a 350.

So, anyone have any idea how much I would have to fork out? I haven’t got the cash right now, but I’d like to start saving

PS: It would be nicer to deal with a British company coz that way I can part exchange my old engine and not just loose it.

 

Real Steel do crate motors. I believe they sell the Goodwrench 350 for £1300 or thereabouts. They also habe the HO and ZZ4 from what I remember.

Personally though, I'd look into crate motors in the U.S. and shipping prices. There are a lot of places doing 383s at a good price over there.

 

383? nah, this is a daily driver... It would be nice, but it would become just a toy and I'd need another car.

I'd be happy with a 350 that doesn't use oil

 

USAutomotive in Bedford also do the Goodwrench crate engines, i tink they are around 1250 quid, (250bhp Goodwrench 350) they also do the ZZ4 and other performance engines.

they can also get pretty much any crate engine available in the US, without the hassle of importing one yourself.

the benifit of the goodwrench and ZZ4 engines, are that they are brand new engines, not reconditioned units.

 

There's no problem with a 12 second daily driver

As for shipping hassles. I've never had a problem arranging air freight for things like that. Infact if the company you are using in the U.S. is worth anything at all they will arrange for the thing to be shipped to your door. Personally, I prefer to cut out any middle men. Upto you though.

As Phil said, the Goodwrench is an excellent price.

 

But correct me if I am wrong, aren't the Goodwrench 350 and ZZ4 carburator engines? I'd really like to be able to use my TPI stuff.

heh, yeah nothing wrong with a 12 second daily drive I guess... It would be cool, but how about my gearbox and back end? Would they survive 330hp for long? Keeping in mind my tranny is relatively fresh and was rebuilt little over a year ago.

 

Rob's right, Real Steel do the ZZ4. It may be a bit of overkill though for a daily driver- there is no way I could use mine practically in any shape or form, it is now a Summer toy. BTW you can retain the original TPi set up no problems at all.

I think the Goodwreench would be the way to go as it is price sensitive to the aftermarket. Also just think you will be getting a brand new motor! Failing that always consider a bottom end rebuild? New rings etc and she won't use any oil.

Any questions and let me know. I personally would never do a personal import on a motor as it will open a few new doors and costs that you wouldn't have expected. I remember bringing in my SSM lift kit and getting stung for carriage and import tax. Would have cost me about the same to get one in the UK and not had the hassle and also supporting a UK company.

Cheers,
Felix

 

Good points there on buying it over here ZZ4, specially the bit about supporting a British company, there's nothing I'd love more than to make American cars more popular over here Or at least make my friends realize that my car isn't something out of this world.

I have to admit I don't like the idea of running a ZZ4 or a 383 on a daily driver in the UK... I would be happy about it back in Venezuela where it is much drier, roads are substantially wider, and there are no roundabouts, not to mention fuel is SOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooo much cheaper over there. But here I already one scary moment on a wet roundabout with the stock 305. Running a ZZ4 in the UK all year round is just asking for an early grave I reckons.